Neoscytalidium Dimidiatum Research Articles

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum associated with dieback and canker of common fig (Ficus carica L.) in Turkey

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum associated with dieback and canker of common fig (Ficus carica L.) in Turkey

First Isolation of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum from Human Dermatomycosis in Japan.

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a common fungus that causes non-dermatophyte dermatomycosis in tropical regions, but there have been no reports of infection with N. dimidiatum in Japan. Here, we report the first isolation of N. dimidiatum from human dermatomycosis in Japan. A 62-year-old healthy Japanese male had been treated with oral terbinafine for tinea pedis diagnosed from a microscopic examination in 2003 with a lesion that was intractable. In 2020, re-identification by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer regions and the D1/D2 domain of the large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA gene revealed that the pathogen was N. dimidiatum. Antifungal susceptibility tests showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug luliconazole (LLCZ) against the pathogen was 0.00049 µg/mL. The patient's lesions were cured by topical LLCZ. The clinical course and drug susceptibility suggest that LLCZ is a suitable first-line drug for treatment.

Fruit brown rot caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum on Selenicereus monacanthus in the Philippines

Multiple fungal pathogens infect economically important fruits, thereby affecting their quality and marketability. Previous research showed that some fungal pathogens that can infect the stems might infect the fruit but show a different symptom. To determine the causal pathogen of a fruit disease of Selenicereus monacanthus (Dragon fruit), we used a combination of fungal pathology characterization and molecular biology techniques. This paper presents the pathogenicity of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum MBDF36C to S. monacanthus resulting in brown rot and canker on fruits and stem, respectively. The paper also demonstrates the in vitro inhibition of N. dimidiatum MBDF36C by chemicals, including a bio-fungicide containing Bacillus subtilis. At seven days post-inoculation, we observed severe browning on N. dimidiatum MBDF36C-inoculated fruits but not on stems. Stems exhibited canker-like symptoms. The same fungus was re-isolated from both inoculated diseased fruits and stems, thereby confirming Koch's postulates. The pathogen was identified as N. dimidiatum based on its morphology, cultural characteristics, and sequences of the partial ß-tubulin gene. In vitro growth of N. dimidiatum MBDF36C was also completely inhibited by a bio-fungicide containing B. subtilis, isoprothiolane, and mancozeb. This study is the first report of N. dimidiatum causing brown fruit rot of dragon fruit in the Philippines. This information could impact the current postharvest fruit handling operations and future studies on dragon fruit disease management

Utilizing agro-industrial waste for the production of laccase enzyme by Scytalidium lignicola pesante under solid state fermentation

Utilizing agro-industrial waste for the production of laccase enzyme by Scytalidium lignicola pesante under solid state fermentation

Microbial degradation and community structure analysis of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)

Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is a curing adhesive that is commonly used in the production of ammunition, and it emerged during the time of war. After entering the peaceful era, several countries around the globe have focused on the destruction of expired ammunition using safe and economical methods in terms of consumption of energy. Microorganisms exhibit a highly efficient and environment friendly degradation capability for variety of refractory substances. Therefore, in this study we screened five strains of microorganisms from five environmental soil samples for their ability to degrade HTPB. These microorganisms were identified as Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum, Microbacterium esteraromaticum, Arthrobacter pascens, Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans and Ochrobactrum anthropic based on 16S rRNA gene similarity index. We observed the uncorroded and corroded HTPB sample through scanning electron microscopy and observed the formation of lot of holes and gullies in HTPB after corrosion. An 18S rRNA gene clone library was constructed for HTPB-degrading fungi. Based on the results of library evaluation, it was found that the structure of the HTPB-degrading fungi community was relatively simple. A total of 54 positive clones were obtained. These clones represented some uncultured microorganisms that were closely related to Scytalidium lignicola, Pseudokahliella and Gonostomum strenuum. This study will help in the implementation of environment friendly degradation strategies for HTPB degradation.

Fungal canker agents in apple production hubs of Iran

To identify apple canker casual agents and evaluate their pathogenicity and virulence in apple production hubs including West Azarbaijan, Isfahan and Tehran provinces; samples were collected from symptomatic apple trees. Pathogenic isolates on the detached branches were identified as Cytospora cincta, Diplodia bulgarica, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Eutypa cf. lata. E. cf. lata was reported as a potential apple canker causal agent in Iran for the first time based on the pathogenicity test on the detached branches, whereas it caused no canker symptoms in apple trees until 6 months after inoculation. Currently, E. cf. lata seems to be adapted to a single city. C. cincta, D. bulgarica and N. dimidiatum caused canker symptoms in apple trees. “C. cincta” and also “C. cincta and N. dimidiatum” were the most widespread and aggressive apple canker species, respectively, associated with apple canker in Iran. Therefore, they are considered to be the main threat to apple production in Iran and should be carefully monitored. Disease progress curve, area under the disease progress curve and optimum temperatures were determined for mentioned species. It is concluded that the establishment of each species occurs in appropriate areas and times in terms of the optimum temperature for their growth.

First report of leaf blight of Turkish oregano (Origanum onites) caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Turkey

First report of leaf blight of Turkish oregano (Origanum onites) caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Turkey

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing branch dieback and canker on apple in Turkey

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing branch dieback and canker on apple in Turkey

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Fungi Causing Canker Disease on Melia Azidarch Trees in Some Regions of Mosul Provinces, Iraq

The aim of this study was to identify the fungi associated with canker disease on Melia azidarch trees inside Mosul University campus and the presidential palaces regions in Mosul Province, Iraq. Results of isolation showed the presenting of the fungi (Nattrassia mangiferae, Neoscylitidium dimidiatum Penz., Fusarium graminearium Schw., Alternaria brassicicola Schw., Aspergillus sp. and Penecillium sp.), which accompanied with the samples displayed cankering symptoms during the period from April to December/2020, the maximum of dominance was 85% for the fungus Neoscylitidium dimidiatum in August, while the lowest was 49% in April for the same year, followed by Fusarium graminearium with 38% in December, while the lowest percentage was 4% in October, then Alternaria brassicicola Schw. was 25% in April and the lowest value was 0% in August, followed by Aspergillus sp. and Penecillium sp. with low isolation percentages the maximum of which 25% and the lowest is 0% in August. When studying the pathogenicity of the isolated fungi, the results showed a high pathogenic effect in terms the length, diameter and the area of cankers symptom. Based on the results of the molecular diagnosis, the morphological identification was confirmed and it was clear that Fusarium austroamericanum, detection is considered the first record of this fungus in Iraq Melia azidarch trees.

Evaluation of streptomycete actinobacterial isolates as biocontrol agents against royal poinciana stem canker disease caused by the fungal pathogen Neoscytalidium dimidiatum

In this study, 47 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soils of royal poinciana in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Three Streptomyces strains exhibited powerful in vitro antifungal activity against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (the causal agent of stem canker disease of royal poinciana). The antifungal action of Streptomyces rochei UAE2 and Streptomyces coelicoflavus UAE1 was mainly correlated with antibiosis and cell-wall-degrading enzymes production, respectively. Streptomyces antibioticus UAE1 was, however, associated with both mode of actions. These isolates suppressed lesion development on fruits inoculated with N. dimidiatum in the apple fruit bioassay. Under greenhouse conditions, individual biocontrol agents (BCAs) showed greater efficacies against stem canker when applied before N. dimidiatum than after the pathogen. The curative effects of Cidely® Top (a chemical fungicide) and S. antibioticus UAE1 on disease symptoms were comparable on royal poinciana. Prior to pathogen inoculation, S. antibioticus UAE1 was capable to suppress disease symptoms and prevent the pathogen spread, suggesting a relative superiority of S. antibioticus UAE1 over all other tested treatments. This was evident in the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of defoliated leaves and conidia counts ofN. dimidiatum in S. antibioticus UAE1-treated seedlings compared to the other two BCA or chemical treatments. In conclusion, the multiple mode of actions in S. antibioticus UAE1 can be particularly effective to produce synergistic actions against the fungus. This study is the first to explore the potential to use both biocontrol and fungicides to further develop integrated disease management against stem canker in royal poinciana.

Pathogenic fungi infection attributes of malarial vectors Anopheles maculipennis and Anopheles superpictus in central Iran

BackgroundDue to the effect of synthetic and commercial insecticides on non-target organisms and the resistance of mosquitoes, non-chemical and environmentally friendly methods have become prevalent in recent years. The present study was to isolate entomopathogenic fungi with toxic effects on mosquitoes in natural larval habitats.MethodsLarvae of mosquitoes were collected from Central, Qamsar, Niasar, and Barzok Districts in Kashan County, Central Iran by standard dipping method, from April to late December 2019. Dead larvae, live larvae showing signs of infection, and larvae and pupae with a white coating of fungal mycelium on the outer surface of their bodies were isolated from the rest of the larvae and sterilized with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, then washed twice with distilled water and transferred to potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and water-agar (WA) media and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C for 3–4 days. Larvae and fungi were identified morphologically based on identification keys.ResultsA total of 9789 larvae were collected from urban and rural areas in Kashan County. Thirteen species were identified which were recognized to belong to three genera, including Anopheles (7.89%), Culiseta (17.42%) and Culex (74.69%). A total of 105 larvae, including Anopheles superpictus sensu lato (s.l), Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Culex deserticola, Culex perexiguus, and Culiseta longiareolata were found to be infected by Nattrassia mangiferae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma spp., and Penicillium spp. Of these, Penicillium spp. was the most abundant fungus isolated and identified from the larval habitats, while An. superpictus s.l. was the most infected mosquito species.ConclusionsBased on the observations and results obtained of the study, isolated fungi had the potential efficacy for pathogenicity on mosquito larvae. It is suggested that their effects on mosquito larvae should be investigated in the laboratory. The most important point, however, is the proper way of exploiting these biocontrol agents to maximize their effect on reducing the population of vector mosquito larvae without any negative effect on non-target organisms.

Bacterias con actividad antifúngica asociadas a Ocimum basilicum L.

The presence of pathogens, like fungi, is one of the most important causes of basil crop loss around the world; however, many microorganisms have a crucial role on plant development including protection against pathogenic ones. In the present study, basil associated bacteria were isolated, quantified and preserved. Characterization of isolated bacteria showed 165 Gram positive strains, 152 with bacillary and 13 with coccoid morphology. Later, in vitro antagonism assays were performed, first against Aspergillus spp. and then against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Alternaria spp. and Aspergillus spp. Finally, the effect of the isolated bacteria on basil seed germination and first stages of development were carried out. Sampled basil plants, produced around La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, were colonized by known antagonistic bacteria of the Bacillus genus. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains were the prevailing species with antifungal activity. Moreover, strains ALMH42, ALMR73 and ALAH91 did not show any deleterious effect on basil seedling development. Biotechnological potential exploration of these isolated strains from healthy basil plants is of great interest for future applications on this and other crops.

Malatya ilinde asma gövde fungal hastalıklarının belirlenmesi

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most prevalent and long-standing cultivated crops in the world due to its non-selective climate and soil demands, types of usage and having a wide range of varieties. Turkey has a rich grapevine gene pool because of its favorable climate zone. Viticulture, which has an important role in agriculture, faces many problems in the process of production to marketing. Fungal diseases take an important place by limiting the production wherever grapevine is cultivated. It is aimed to determine the stem fungal diseases that cause drying in viticulture areas of Malatya province with this research. Arapgir, Yesilyurt, Battalgazi and Darende districts of Malatya province, where grapevine is intensely cultivated, were surveyed in two different vegetation periods, and samples were taken from symptomatic plants. Identification of these isolates were performed based on morphological and molecular examinations. As a result of this study, Botryosphaeria spp., Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Fomitiporia mediterranea, Cytospora viticola, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Dothiorella spp., Lasiodiplodia spp. were identified as causal agents for the diseases observed in Malatya province.

Secondary Metabolite &lt;i&gt;Ceiba pentandra&lt;/i&gt; Gaertn. as Biological Control to Canker Disease on Dragon Fruit

Canker diseases caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum are a serious threat for dragon fruit production. Comprehensive and environmentally friendly control efforts are needed to reduce yield losses due to this disease. Cottonwood (Ceiba pentandra) is one of the plants that contain complex phytochemicals that can control phyto-pathogens. This study aimed to examine the potential of secondary metabolites produced from the leaves and bark of the C. pentandara as botanical fungicides. Parts of dragon fruit that are attacked by canker are isolated on Potatoes Dextrose Agar media. Observation of conidia and fungal spores using a binocular microscope with a magnification of 100×. The hyphal form of the N. dimidiatum is rectangular and clear. As botanical fungicides, the leaves and the bark of the C. pentandara are dried for 14 days. The extract solution then analyzed for it’s secondary metabolites. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that each leaf extract and bark (+) compound of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. The quantitative results of secondary metabolites detected 304.3 mg.kg-1, Flavonoids and Tannins of 1.6 mg.kg-1. Secondary metabolites obtained were tested on the fungus N. dimidiatum with inhibitory parameters in vitro and in vivo. This study followed a factorial completely randomized design consisting of concentration factors and types of extract parts. The data obtained were then analyzed by ANOVA and significant treatments were further tested by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at α = 5%. The combination treatment with a concentration of 40 mg ml-1 is more effective in controlling canker in indicators of inhibitory, the extent of the attack, and intensity of disease severity.

Isolation and molecular characterization of clinical and environmental dematiaceous fungi and relatives from Iran.

Background and Purpose: The frequency and genetic diversity of black fungi in environmental and clinical settings have not been fully studied in Iran. This study aimed to identify and evaluate intra- and inter-species DNA sequence variation and also understand the phylogenetic relationships of melanized fungi and relatives isolated from different geographical regions of Iran. Materials and Methods: In total, 111 clinical and environmental strains of dematiaceous fungi were isolated, and their internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions were sequenced and analyzed. Results: An inter-species nucleotide sequence diversity rate of 1 to 464 nucleotides was observed between the species. Intra-species differences were found in the strains of Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria tenuissima, Curvularia spicifera, Aureobasidium pullulans, Curvularia hawaiiensis, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Alternaria terricola, Alternaria chlamydospora, Didymella glomerata, and Drechslera dematioidea by 0–59, 0–22, 0–4, 0–4, 0–3, 0–2, 0–2, 0–2, 0–2, 0–1, and 0–1 nucleotide, respectively. Conclusion: The internal transcribed spacer rDNA is useful for the discrimination of several taxa of dematiaceous fungi. However, a better understanding of the taxonomy of species of Alternaria requires a larger rDNA region or a library of other gene sequences.

ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL ANTAGONISTS OF THE DRAGON FRUIT FUNGAL PATHOGEN Neoscytalidium dimidiatum

Dragon fruit or pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) are famous for their nutrient-rich favourable taste, which brings high economic value to subtropical and tropical countries. However, dragon fruit cultivation all over the world is threatened by fungal pathogens and among them, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum has recently been shown to be responsible for stem canker and fruit rot which cause big economic losses. In order to find an environmentally friendly way to control this pathogen, five out of sixty-nine bacterial isolates used in a screening test for antifungal activity were selected. All five strains appeared to be aerobic Gram positive spore forming bacteria suggesting that they all belong to the Bacillus genus. Cell-free culture supernatants of these strains were found to strongly inhibit both fungal spore germination and mycelia growth in vitro for at least 5 days. The strain D19 which possessed the highest antagonistic effect was further identified to be Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a well-known species shown to have antifungal effect against several other pathogenic fungi. Thus, the results of this study opened a new promising perspective to prevent Neoscytalidium dimidiatum infection during cultivation of dragon fruit.

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing blight of Melissa officinalis in Turkey

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing blight of Melissa officinalis in Turkey

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF ENDOLICHENIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM HYPOTRACHYNA INFIRMA (KUROK.) HALE

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate of phytopharmaceutical importance of endolichenic fungi isolated from Hypotrachyna infirma (Kurok.) Hale. Methods: The lichen species were collected from Sholaiyar hills, Coimbatore and identified as Hypotrachyna infirma (Kurok.)Hale. From this lichen, 29 endolichenic fungi were isolated and 13 endolichenic fungi were identified. From the identified endolichenic fungi, 26 extracts were prepared by successive solvent extraction methods using Ethyl acetate and chloroform. Results: The phytochemical study revealed the presence of important constituents like Alkaloids, Tannins, Carbohydrates, Phenols, Protein, Terpenoids, Steroids, Glycosides Flavonoids and Saponins. From the 13 endolichenic fungi, only 5 endolichenic fungi (Nigrospora oryzae (Berkand Broome)Petch, Geotrichum candidum Link, Scytalidium lignicola pesante, Aspergillus oryzae(Ahlb.) cohn, Aspergillus niger Gr.) have more constitutents. These 5 endolichenic fungi have good results in Quantitative analysis also. Conclusion: Compared to ethyl acetate extracts Chloroform extracts showed very less concentration of the phytochemicals. From this study we conclutated Nigrospora oryzae (Berk and Broome) Petch gave the best results in both qualitative and quantitative compared to other endolichenic fungi.

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing foliar and stem blight of lavender in Turkey

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum causing foliar and stem blight of lavender in Turkey

Reduction of Selenicereus stem cuttings weight by fungal plant pathogens during storage

AbstractDragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) is a high‐value crop in the Philippines. It is commonly propagated using stem cuttings, which quality is essential for fruit production. Several pathogens have been reported to cause various diseases in dragon fruit worldwide. These diseases affect stem and fruit quality in the field, but the consequences during storage are unknown. This study aims to determine the effect of three pathogens (Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Epicoccum sorghinum, and Nigrospora sphaerica) on Selenicereus stem cuttings in controlled storage conditions. Three weeks after inoculation, only N. dimidiatum significantly reduced Selenicereus stem weight in both cooler (air‐conditioned storage area/19‐25°C) and warmer (room temperature/28‐30°C) temperatures. Nonetheless, all pathogens induced symptoms on stems, which caused a loss in product quality. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum caused significantly more severe symptoms under controlled conditions. In general, symptoms were more severe on the stems kept in the air‐conditioned storage area. This study highlights the importance of disease‐free planting materials and adequate temperature in the storage area in the preparation and dissemination of high‐quality dragon fruit stem cuttings.